Dictionary of Bible Themes » 8000 The life of the believer » 8010 Faith » 8020 faith » 8023 faith, necessity of
A fundamental duty for all people and the necessary response to God's self-revelation. The only channel through which God's blessings may be received, and the only means by which life may be made meaningful, in relationship with God.
The call to faith
In the OT
Psalm 37:3-5 See also Proverbs 3:5-6; Isaiah 26:4; Isaiah 50:10
In the NT
John 6:28-29 See also Mark 1:15; Acts 16:30-31; Acts 19:4; Acts 20:21; Romans 1:5; 1 John 3:23
God's self-revelation leaves no excuse for unbelief
John 14:8-11; Romans 10:17-18 See also Psalm 19:4; John 1:10-12; Romans 1:18-21; Romans 3:1-4; Psalm 51:4; Romans 16:25-27
The need for faith in God
The LORD is the only true God
Habakkuk 2:18-20 See also Psalm 115:2-11
God alone can be trusted absolutely
Psalm 9:10 See also Psalm 91:1-4; Isaiah 12:2; Nahum 1:7
Faith in God is the basis for peace
Isaiah 26:3 See also Psalm 42:11; John 14:1; Romans 15:13; 2 Peter 1:1-2
Faith is necessary to receive God's blessing
Hebrews 11:6 See also Psalm 40:4; Jeremiah 17:7-8; John 5:24
Faith is necessary to avoid God's judgment
John 3:36 See also John 3:18; 2 Thessalonians 2:12; 1 Peter 2:6-8; Isaiah 28:16; Psalm 118:22; Isaiah 8:14
Actions not springing from faith are sinful
Romans 14:23 See also Romans 14:5-8,14
Unbelief challenged
Hebrews 3:12-18; Psalm 95:7-8 comparison with the Israelites in the wilderness; Isaiah 7:9 Ahaz, king of Judah; Jeremiah 17:5-6 the people of Judah; Mark 16:14 Jesus Christ's disciples after the resurrection
See also
1055 God, grace & mercy 1165 God, unique 1320 God as Saviour 1439 revelation 2324 Christ as Saviour 2427 gospel, transmission 6512 salvation, necessity & basis 6644 eternal life 6732 repentance 8224 dependence 8834 unbelief